Boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have reportedly agreed on a tentative date and location for a high-profile exhibition bout. The match is slated to take place on April 25, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — a city that holds deep historical significance in the sport.
Kinshasa: A Historic Venue
The venue, Kinshasa, holds immense historical value in the boxing world. In 1974, it was the host of the legendary Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Ali famously defeated Foreman in a thrilling contest to reclaim the heavyweight championship. This iconic event is one of the most celebrated moments in boxing history, adding a layer of nostalgia to the upcoming bout between Tyson and Mayweather.
Tyson’s Return to the Ring
Mike Tyson, now 59 years old, last competed in November 2024 in a widely publicized bout against Jake Paul. That eight-round contest ended in a unanimous decision defeat for Tyson. Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, holds a professional record of 50 wins, 7 losses, and 2 no contests. His last win came in 2003 against Clifford Etienne.
Despite his age and a long hiatus from competitive boxing, Tyson’s involvement in the exhibition is a massive draw for fans, particularly those nostalgic for his iconic career.
Mayweather’s Continued Exhibition Appearances
Floyd Mayweather Jr., 48, retired with an unblemished 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017. Since retirement, Mayweather has remained active in exhibition bouts, including a recent match in August 2024 against John Gotti III, his eighth exhibition appearance. Despite his retirement, Mayweather continues to participate in high-profile exhibition matches, keeping his brand and legacy alive.
Speculation and Confirmation
The idea of a Tyson vs. Mayweather exhibition first emerged in September 2025, although details were initially unclear. Rumors surrounding the fight gained momentum when Mayweather was also linked to an exhibition against Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, scheduled for June 27, 2026.
However, Tyson appeared to confirm the fight when he was interviewed by TMZ, stating, “Yeah, that’s happening. You think I’d give that up? I was minding my business, he challenged me!”
What’s at Stake?
If finalized, the exhibition match between Tyson and Mayweather would be one of the most commercially significant showcase fights in recent years. The fight pairs two of the most recognizable names in boxing, both with distinct legacies: Tyson, the explosive heavyweight power-puncher, and Mayweather, the undefeated defensive genius.
The venue, Kinshasa, further adds to the spectacle, bringing back memories of the sport’s rich history. Fans of boxing, both old and new, are eagerly awaiting confirmation of this blockbuster event.
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